First-Ever NAF Town Hall Recap: “The Vision Forward”

Last week, NAF was thrilled to host its first-ever Town Hall, where I was joined by NAF Vice President, Academy Engagement & Impact, Reedy Wade, and NAF Vice President, Work-Based Learning & Advisory Board Activation, Brooke Rice, who both discussed NAF’s vision forward to impact more students as they define their futures. NAF alumnus, Michael Durant ’07, shared his journey in the Academy of Finance and moderated this important conversation.

Never has there been more focus on the future of education and the future of work—and NAF is at the center. Our work is critical because many students don’t have access to opportunities that can be life changing. 

Some of my remarks included, that, “Workforce development is a key policy and initiative for school districts across the country – many are understanding the proven success of work-based learning and career-focused curricula that can positively impact future generations and the economy, and that’s the foundation of the NAF design. We know that this works, and we are taking strategic steps to actualize what that looks like and through our work, how NAF can make a significant impact on the lives and futures of all students.”

“With the support of partners and network members on the local and national level, we are strategically investing resources in existing NAF areas. Spreading NAF and our design to area high schools in traditional NAF regions to expand our reach to even more students.”

NAF students are engaged in meaningful experiences where they develop aspirations, skills, and connections, that prepare them for the careers and bright futures they seek and deserve. Our academies are designed for students to have learning experiences that are personalized and connected to their career interests, reflect their voice and choice, and are developed around a proven design that fits within the high school setting in partnership with district, school, and community leaders. 

Reedy expressed, “You will hear us say time and again that NAF is truly where opportunity begins! What NAF is most effective at is developing and expanding partnerships that drive for greater impact and outcomes for students and schools.”

“NAF academies have seen steady growth, increasing student enrollment by 6.7% in the 2022-23 school year with 50 new academies, which I think says something about how the academy experience keeps students engaged, and focused on the career paths and futures they are preparing for,” she added.

As for tech enabled work-based learning and data-driven innovations, NAF is creating products that are outside of the box and providing state-of-the-art, tech tools that will make a true mark on ed-tech. 

Brooke explained, “By connecting young minds to work-based learning, and more — industries and businesses can support high school students from under-resourced communities, particularly students of color and those who lack access, in moving toward a future of success and fulfilling lives. To achieve great results, leading companies partner with NAF, to build a future ready workforce — aligning their industry expertise, community leadership, and pipeline development needs, with NAF’s proven design.”

For additional highlights: Watch the recording to hear more about our vision forward and stay tuned for more to come in 2023!